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4w ago

U.S.-Ukraine Rare Earth Deal Nears Completion Amid Feasibility Concerns

Experts question the viability of Ukraine's rare earth deposits as President Trump pushes for a deal framed as a way to recoup military aid costs.

Drag-line excavator mines rare earth materials on Ukrainian soil on February 25, 2025 in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war, many mining companies across the country have continued their operations, extracting resources such as titanium, graphite, and beryllium.
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Overview

  • The U.S. is close to finalizing a minerals deal with Ukraine, focusing on rare earth elements and other critical minerals, according to President Trump.
  • Experts highlight significant doubts about the viability of Ukraine's rare earth deposits, citing outdated geological surveys and unverified data.
  • Key rare earth sites in Ukraine are located in areas currently under Russian occupation, further complicating extraction and development efforts.
  • Calls for a U.S.-EU-Ukraine partnership emphasize sustainable investment and supply chain security, leveraging existing EU frameworks for cooperation.
  • Critics argue the deal may exploit Ukraine during wartime, with some experts warning it could contravene the spirit of the Budapest Memorandum.